Biographies of Area Pioneers, Settlers and other Important Figures.

Letter "B"

Behan, David Thomas
David Thomas Behan was one of the early settlers to Michigan City arriving in 1837 with a brother Robert and a sister Deborah. Deborah later married Dumas Peek and moved on to Iowa, Robert we know nothing of. David Thomas Behan was born on December 10, 1819 near Ballinsloa, County Galway, Ireland. His Mother died when but a child and the Father brought the family to America in 1830 settling in Rochester, New York.

David came to Michigan City in 1837 and set up a boot and shoe business. He married Marie Madeline Fitch (1826-1912) in 1844 in Michigan City. They had six children, two girls died in infancy. David operated his business until 1879 when ill health forced him to close the doors. The family owned property and lived on Seventh Street for years, near Frankin Street and were members of the Trinity Episcopal Church.

David was known as a Michigan City historian and was described as one of the oldest living settlers at his death on December 1, 1891.